Contemporary Sociological Issues

Contemporary
Sociological Issues
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3

Structure vs Agency............................................................................................................3
Critical analysis of structural theory..................................................................................4
Socialization..........................................................................................................................5
Group Formation..................................................................................................................6
Societal constructs...............................................................................................................6
Social change.......................................................................................................................7
Covid-19, Globalization & public services........................................................................8
Social change, Structure & Public Services....................................................................9
CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
A contemporary issue can be referred to as an issue that is affecting the people
currently and is not resolved. There are various contemporary social issues that can
have an impact on the society. Also, with the recent outbreak of COVID-19, various
uncertainties and socio-economic impacts have emerged (Evans, 2017). This has
changed the society completely because the needs as well as preferences of customers
is not the same as it were before pre-covid times. Lock down all around the world has
placed an intense pressure on the overall economy of the world. There are different
structural changes that have taken place in the contemporary as a result of Covid 19. It
includes an explanation of structure vs agency along with a critical analysis of structural
theory. Apart from this, the report also includes a theoretical review of socialisation in
order to explain social and cultural norms.
MAIN BODY
Structure vs Agency
Structure can be defined as the repeated patterned arrangements that influence
the choices that are available. On the other hand, agency is referred to as the capacity
of individuals to act independently and also make their own choices. The debate of
structure vs agency can considered to be as a social issue. There are different social
functionalists who view structure as a very important component in the establishing a
society. There has always been a ongoing debate on structure and agency because
both these concepts are important for the sociological theory (Hannigan, 2017).
Structures are usually seen as more more fixed as well as enduring aspects. Dominant
theory in sociology refers to as the theory of intergroup relations the evaluate various
features such as social hierarchies that are group-based and explain how to remain
stable.
The work of the key thinker Durkheim, was highly influenced by his desire to
establish a sphere of study for sociology. He insisted that there are different structured
ways of thinking and acting that are general throughout the society. For example, the
stated that both structure as well as agency are essential parts of establishing a society
(Evans, M., 2017). Also, they act as external constraints over its members. In simple

words, structure can be defined as the set of factors that make up the multiple
environments wherein the agents operate and shape the nature of choices. This is done
by determining the nature of problems. The discussion of the structure-agency debate
can be done in two different ways, unit of analysis and modes of explanation.
Critical analysis of structural theory
The structural theory in sociology, views the society as a structure that has
various parts which are interrelated with each other. These parts are designed in such a
way that the biological as well as social needs of the individuals within that society are
met. The structural theory can be described as the one that organizes a particular set of
propositions (Kaufmann, 2017). The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted the
society on the whole in a serious manner. Different groups as well as individuals are
having tough times in dealing with the impact of COVID-19. The overall economy of the
world has been hit by the outbreak. There has been an impact on the demand as well
as supply of products along with the customers. Emily Durkheim, an early sociologist
has applied the recent theory in order to survive change overtime.
In context to the application of the structural theory, Emily Durkheim has stated
that all the various parts within a healthy society work together in order to maintain
stability. Various segments have also been impacted as a result of COVID-19 and this
includes religion, economy, tourism, education etc. People who belong to the most
vulnerable and deprived groups are the ones who are most affected by the outbreak.
One of the many criticisms for the structural theory is that the nature of the theory is
problematic. There are various repetitive patterns and many of the sociologists now
believe that the functionalism aspect of the theory is no longer useful as assumed by
the sociologists. The structural theory mainly views the society as a complex system
wherein different parts work together in order to promote stability (McCaffree, 2018).
Apart from this, there are also certain rituals like handshake that give structure to the
society on the whole. For example, one of the functions of the different laws of the
society can be to protect the society from violence. On the other hand, another law can
be to punish criminal behaviour. Therefore, all these laws in the society work together in
order to ensure that there is stability.